In the Middle of the Night Poster

In the Middle of the Night 1984

★ 6.627 votes131 min📅 1984-03-09

Set against the gritty backdrop of 1980s Copenhagen, *In the Middle of the Night (1984)* follows Benny and Arnold, two homeless men eking out a fragile existence in a squatted building on Nørrebro.

Director: Erik Balling

Cast

Kim Larsen
Kim Larsen
Benny
Erik Clausen
Erik Clausen
Arnold
Birgitte Raaberg
Birgitte Raaberg
Susan Himmelblå
Holger Boland
Holger Boland
Tusindfryd
Buster Larsen
Buster Larsen
Charles - autoophugger
Judy Gringer
Judy Gringer
Rita 'Kranen' - hans veninde
Frits Helmuth
Frits Helmuth
J.O. Kurtzen - politiassistent
Poul Bundgaard
Poul Bundgaard
Kaj Buhmann - politiker
Ove Sprogøe
Ove Sprogøe
Købmand - Susans far
Ellen Winther Lembourn
Ellen Winther Lembourn
Gerda

Frequently Asked Questions

What is In the Middle of the Night (1984) about?

The film centers on Benny and Arnold, two homeless friends clinging to their squatted building as police prepare to evict them. Their already precarious lives are upended when a local acid user's dramatic jump during the eviction forces them to confront their own struggles. It's a raw, darkly humorous take on survival in modern urban Denmark.

Who directed In the Middle of the Night?

Erik Balling directed *In the Middle of the Night*. Known for his work in Danish cinema, Balling crafts a blend of social realism and offbeat humor in this 1984 drama-comedy.

Who stars in In the Middle of the Night?

The film features Kim Larsen, Erik Clausen, Birgitte Raaberg, Holger Boland, and Buster Larsen in its core ensemble.

Is In the Middle of the Night (1984) worth watching?

While not a blockbuster, *In the Middle of the Night* is a compelling watch for fans of Danish cinema and gritty social dramas. Its mix of dark humor and poignant realism makes it a unique find, though it's best suited for those who enjoy offbeat storytelling over mainstream appeal.

How long is In the Middle of the Night?

The runtime for *In the Middle of the Night* is 131 minutes.

About In the Middle of the Night (1984) — Danish Drama-Meets-Comedy You Won't Forget

Set against the gritty backdrop of 1980s Copenhagen, *In the Middle of the Night (1984)* follows Benny and Arnold, two homeless men eking out a fragile existence in a squatted building on Nørrebro. As the police prepare to forcibly evict them, the night takes a surreal turn when local drug user Spacy tragically leaps from a sixth-floor window, plunging the already tense atmosphere into chaos. Directed by Erik Balling, this Danish drama-comedy weaves together raw social commentary with dark humor, exploring themes of displacement, survival, and the fragile line between despair and resilience.

The film captures the unvarnished pulse of Copenhagen's counterculture, blending stark realism with offbeat eccentricity. With a cast led by Kim Larsen and Erik Clausen, *In the Middle of the Night* delivers a poignant yet unconventional portrait of urban life on the margins. Whether you're drawn to its gritty authenticity or its idiosyncratic charm, this underrated gem offers a glimpse into a Denmark rarely seen on screen.